The world changed forever with the rise of the Exorcists—beings with superhuman abilities who fought against creatures known as Ghosts.
A burning building towered over the crowd. Neighbors could only watch as the flames consumed everything. Above the city, a winged creature wreathed in fire swooped through the air, devouring people in its path.
Then, a man with a peculiar smile appeared among the onlookers. Reporters rushed toward him the moment they recognized his face, shouting questions nonstop.
He calmly brushed them aside, his confidence radiating.
“Don’t get in the way—unless you want me to mess up my job… Except you, gorgeous,” he pointed at the Channel 8 reporter. “You can interview me anytime.”
And so began the battle between that mysterious man and the fiery bird.
With little effort, he overwhelmed the beast. Explosions of power shook the air, blows landed with crushing force—yet not a single wound marked his body. Even the flames couldn’t burn his clothes.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he said playfully, grabbing the Ghost by its legs. He spun it around again and again, smothering its flames until it died, then slammed it into the ground before kicking it skyward.
The bird came crashing down, featherless. It looked like a roasted chicken. Cheers erupted from the crowd.
“Kohaku! Kohaku! Kohaku!”
The chanting was deafening.
“Haha, don’t overdo it—you’ll make me blush. Now then, who wants fried chicken?” he said, laughing lightly as he butchered the creature with unsettling ease.
His face remained hidden beneath bandages, but his charisma drew people in like bees to honey, and his smile made him feel approachable.
Leaving the remains behind, he walked away.
At the Association of Exorcists, he was welcomed with praise.
“Don’t you think you went a little overboard, Kohaku?”
“Still, you handled it well.”
“Come on, don’t be jealous. It’s not my fault you’re weaker than me.”
He strolled into the meeting hall and took his usual seat, where a new round of discussions about future talents was beginning.
But Kohaku yawned every five minutes. His attitude grated on the others, yet no one dared to scold him.
Meanwhile, his exploits dominated the news broadcasts.
“Once again, the Exorcists have triumphed over the Ghosts, bringing peace to the people. Since their appearance, they’ve bravely battled these creatures, becoming the world’s greatest heroes…”
The TV clicked off.
“Grandpa…!”
“Stop watching that nonsense. They’re just orphans with no one to care for them. Now, come eat.”
“I know, Grandpa. You don’t have to repeat it…”
“Then eat quickly. You’ll be late. Ren’s waiting downstairs.”
The boy glanced at the wall clock. Only ten minutes left before class. He hurriedly sipped his coffee—burning his tongue—but grabbed his bag anyway.
“Those Exorcists… they have no idea what’s really hiding in the shadows.”
“I’m leaving!” he shouted as he ran down the stairs.
“Take care, Takumi!”
Outside, his friend Ren waited with arms crossed.
“You’re late~!” he said, playfully smacking his arm.
“Sorry. Let’s go.”
“Haha, same old you—always late.”
They walked together. Along the way, Ren slung an arm over his shoulders, his usual energy overflowing.
“Look, the latest news about the Exorcists.”
“You sound like a little kid…”
“Don’t say that! They’re amazing. Their powers are incredible. I’ve decided—I’m gonna be an Exorcist! The pay’s great, kids admire you, and you’re like a god to everyone.”
“God, huh? That’s a bit much,” Takumi chuckled softly.
Childish as he seemed, Ren had been Takumi’s closest friend since they were kids—the only one who stood by him when his parents were killed by a Ghost.
When they reached school, they took their seats. Class would’ve been boring if Ren hadn’t pulled out his phone to watch more news.
“More videos?”
“I just love their fights,” he whispered, eyes sparkling.
Takumi shook his head, but still leaned over to watch.
“An Exorcist, huh? Sounds interesting… though my legs shake just looking at ghosts.”
The afternoon went by as always, with jokes and shared bentos.
“Instant noodles again?” Ren teased.
“It’s all I had. Besides, they’re good.”
They both laughed.
“Right, we’re going to the AOE today.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m taking the test to become an Exorcist. My parents are too busy to come with me.”
Takumi thought it was a bad idea, but he agreed to tag along.
That evening, they headed to central Tokyo, to the talent selection building.
“Wait for me here.”
“Alright…”
Takumi stayed outside, waiting. He knew Ren would come out disappointed, but he was ready to comfort him.
Night fell. Ren still hadn’t returned. Just as Takumi was about to go inside, his phone rang. It was the neighbor who looked after his grandfather.
“Takumi… come quick, something happened to your grandpa.” Her voice was desperate.
Sirens wailed faintly in the background. A chill ran down his spine.
“I’m on my way,” he answered tensely, bolting off as Ren shouted behind him.
“Takumi!”
He ran as fast as his legs could carry him. At his house, a crowd had gathered. His neighbor waited, face pale.
“Takumi…” her voice trembled. “Your grandfather… he’s gone.”
“What…?” he whispered. He’d just spoken with him that morning.
“I’m so sorry… When I arrived, it was too late. He was on the floor, not breathing… Forgive me,” she said, tears brimming.
“Grandpa…”
Takumi followed the ambulance, his hands trembling, his mind scattered, sweat chilling his skin.
“Why you…?”
The old man who had raised him was gone, his face frozen in terror. Takumi was alone once more.
Before the cremation, he found a note among his grandfather’s belongings. Just a few words:
“No… Aokigahara”
The paper was dirty with soil, damp with the smell of rust and medicine, almost as if it had been pulled from a hospital floor.
Takumi couldn’t make sense of it. Narusawa—his grandfather’s birthplace—was where he loved exploring the caves of Aokigahara.
After collecting the ashes, Takumi’s thoughts circled only around that place: the forest where his parents had died, but also where his grandfather had found joy.
With a heavy heart, he made his way to Aokigahara. He had sworn never to return, yet he had no choice.
Each step dragged up memories of his family. Fear weighed him down, but he pushed forward.
Not for himself—but for his grandfather.
“Takumi, don’t forget your medicine. Take my coat—you’ll catch a cold. I’ll be a little late to your meeting.”
Ren kept calling, his voice frantic, but all Takumi could think about was fulfilling this final wish.
“I don’t have any family left… and I won’t let Ren get hurt.”
This was something he had to do alone.
The note smelled of Aokigahara, as if the forest itself had breathed its last onto the paper.
He took a deep breath—and stepped into the woods.
Aokigahara was unchanged. Leaves crunched underfoot, shadows stretched like bony claws across the path. The stench of rotting roots was stronger than he remembered.
His breath quickened. Even so—he did not stop.